Bradford City insiders believe Everton have snapped up a future England star in George Green.

Green had come up through the ranks with League Two club Bradford, as part of the same impressive youth set-up that nurtured Manchester United's lauded midfielder Tom Cleverley, Aston Villa's Fabian Delph and promising Liverpool defender Andre Wisdom.

But according to sources close to the West Yorkshire outfit, Green could outshine them all.

An attacking midfielder of exquisite balance, with a rapacious appetite for goal-scoring, the teenager had already appeared on the wanted list of Bayern Munich, Arsenal, Southampton, and Rangers.

Spurs, who thought they were in the driving seat to capture the youngster, are believed to be secretly livid at his switch to Merseyside.

"He has been training with lads aged 17, 18, and 19 at Bradford and he's not even 16 until January," said one source close to the Bantams to the Liverpool Echo.

"Bradford are good at bringing on young players and making a profit from them. They hope to do well out of lads like Tom Cleverly and Fabian Delph and there's no reason George can't eventually play for the Everton first team.

"David Moyes recognises his potential because he was keen to get him and the club invited George to the Merseyside derby at the weekend.

"I think that game at Spurs was the 'Kerching' moment for Bradford. All of a sudden there were dozens of clubs phoning about him, and there had been a lot of interest beforehand.

"But George doesn't want to just disappear into the system at somewhere like Spurs who sign players like confetti.

"His family have seen that Everton give young lads a chance if they show they're ready.

"You only have to look at Ross Barkley, whose two and a bit years older than George and he's playing in the Premier League week in, week out.

"You never know with young players ultimately. Bradford may have sold the next Gazza or he may not quite make the grade, but even if he turns out to be half the player they are hoping, Everton have got a star."